We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Kaplan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
What gave me generosity was fighting challenges and wanting to make the world a better place. Disney movies and musicals have been my inspiration. They have showed me the important lesson of acceptance and kindness to others having been bullied in the past. They have taught me if you can dream it, anything is possible. For instance, I wanted to be an author. I was discouraged because I did not learn to read until High School. I was told I may never learn to read. I donate all my profits of book sales to charities I am passionate about such as Born This Way Foundation and local animal rescues.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
This is how I became the person I am today. When I was younger I was bullied and did not know why. My mom told me I had a different way of learning and it would take me longer to learn. My main source of learning how to read was watching Disney movies and musicals. This gave me hope. I was so tired of people treating and looking at me differently. I decided I wanted to make a difference in the world. I wanted to share my story through my eyes..
I wanted to be an author. People did not think I could do it. I didn’t learn to read until High School. One of my teachers found a way of teaching me to read. Because of her kindness and never giving up on me, I believed I could do anything I set my mind to.
I wrote my very first book, “Growing Up with a Disability” to let people know the challenges I faced and how kindness is truly powerful. I am honored to be an inspiration to others. I have written 4 more books with the theme of kindness, friendship and caring about the world.
I donate all the profits of my book sales to charities that make a difference in the world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most important qualities in my journey to becoming a children’s author was never giving up on my dreams. I also learned to have confidence in myself and not listen to negative comments and to keep being positive. It was also important to believe in what I was capable of achieving.
My advice to others is to believe in yourself, be confident and follow your dreams. Also, do not let anyone let you feel you are not capable.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would like to collaborate with people who can help me share my stories of acceptance and kindness. We have forgotten these qualities. Spreading the word is so important. One day, my dream would be to collaborate with Disney. I can be connected with through Instagram. Instagram@littlerayray18
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram@littlerayray18
